School Notes, April 23-29

To have an item listed mail to 7913 Westpark Drive, McLean VA 22102, e-mail to almanac@connectionnewspapers.com, or fax to 703-917-0991. Deadline is Thursday at noon for the following week’s paper. Photos and artwork encouraged. Unless otherwise noted, all events are in Potomac. Questions? Call Matthew Razak at 703-917-6457.

&lt;lst&gt; Chris Orlando, mathematics teacher at Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School, was the big winner at this year’s April 15 Champions for Children Gala, receiving the Teacher of the Year award and a chance to compete for Maryland Teacher of the Year. Orlando teaches several sections of AP Calculus BC, one section of International Baccalaureate higher level mathematics and one section of multivariable calculus.

Montgomery County Public Schools will hold the 2008 Kindergarten Orientation Program through May 30, this year. Special registration and orientation programs are scheduled at elementary schools throughout the county. Kindergarten orientation is designed to help parents enroll their children, including the completion of health forms, and to assist students in becoming acquainted with future friends and the schools’ environment. Children who will be five years old on or before September 1, 2008 are eligible to begin kindergarten in August. Parents are asked to register children for next year’s kindergarten on the date scheduled for the elementary school that serves their neighborhood. Parents who are not certain which elementary school serves their area should contact the Montgomery County Public Schools Boundaries Office at 240-314-4710 between the hours of 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Starting in March and throughout the summer, the Montgomery County Public Schools Head Start and Prekindergarten programs are recruiting children who will be 4 years old by Sept. 1, 2008, for the 2008–2009 school year. Walk-in applications are being accepted Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Rocking Horse Road Center, 4910 Macon Road, Room 141, Rockville. Parents also can register their children at other locations. Call the Prekindergarten/Head Start Unit at 301-230-0676 for information about documents parents must bring to complete the registration and for a list of additional registration locations and times. Information also is on the MCPS Web site at www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/earlychi/.

Montgomery College offers an array of new, non-credit courses that were formerly offered by Montgomery County Public Schools. These courses, offered primarily during evenings or weekends in public schools and other convenient community locations, are in addition to hundreds of other non-credit courses available through the College’s Workforce Development and Continuing Education unit. A complete schedule of course offerings can be found online at www.montgomerycollege.edu/wdce. Also, printed copies of the fall non-credit course schedule can be found at libraries, community centers and other such locations around the county. For questions about continuing education courses or to request a copy call 301-279-5188, visit

www.montgomerycollege.edu/wdce/mcps/mcps.html.

Jewish Social Service Agency offers "Educational Consultation and Support" for parents of children who have been identified with a learning, attention, or other disability that impacts academic performance. This program helps parents identify and implement the services a child needs to achieve academic success. Available to families in Montgomery County. Adjustable fees based on family income. Other services to children with learning, attention or other disabilities include social skills therapy groups, workshops on parenting challenging children, individual and family counseling, and support groups. JSSA is located at 6123 Montrose Road, Rockville. Call 301-816-2633 or 703-204-9100 for more.